The ManicaPost
Dr Mazvita Machinga Mental Health
Everyone forgets things at times. How often have you misplaced your keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met?
You can agree with me that many people worry about memory loss or becoming forgetful. We all forget things here and there or at some point in our lives. Forgetfulness is a common complaint among many of us especially as we get older or as we experience stressful/traumatising situations. But forgetfulness is not same as memory loss.
However, memory loss can cause forgetfulness and can be impairing. When memory loss impairs one’s day to day life then there is need to be concerned and seek help. If you care or live with someone suffering from some kind of memory loss and confusion, then this article will give some hints on how to cope and help your loved one manage the situation?
This article comes from interacting with caregivers on managing day-to day tasks and problems that arise when caring for a person whose memory loss is causing impairment.
Caring for someone with memory loss and confusion can often be an overwhelming experience but know that there are ways to cope.
People lose their memory in many different ways. There is no one cause of memory loss and confusion, instead, there are many conditions that may cause memory loss and confusion.
Causes may range from aging, medical conditions, stress related and emotional problems, substance abuse disorders, brain impairment, stroke, HIV related dementia or other types of dementia. This means causes may range from psychological, emotional, neurological and physical.
Some medications may also affect memory in a negative manner.
The most important thing is to seek medical attention and have a medical examination done.
This will enable an assessment to be done and the problem is named. Once this is done then you need to learn the basics of daily care and daily living with a person experiencing memory loss and confusion.
The following are some ways of coping:
- After medical examination, you need to learn about memory loss and confusion. Your medical doctor or psychotherapist may be able to provide you with good information and discuss coping mechanisms
- Set routines and schedules this will make life easier, help jot down activities and tasks to be done
- Take care of yourself – you will be better able to care for someone else if you are feeling strong and healthy.
- Treat the person with respect and dignity, do not talk to the person as if he or she is not there
- Change your expectations: Adjust your expectations to match the person’s abilities
- Allow for plenty of time for activities, they may take longer than they used to
- Offer plenty of reassurance and praise- remember to thank the person when he or she is able to help you or remember small things
- Monitor grooming needs bathing, dressing, and use of toilet.
- Dealing with wandering: Some people with dementia may wander. As long as it doesn’t cause any problems, it’s okay. Some do wander to relieve anxiety and restlessness.
- Keeping safe when anger is a symptom is important. Approach the persons slowly and from the front. Speak in clear, easy to understand sentences.
- Make sure that the person does not hurt him or herself. Keep sharp objects or any dangerous objects away
- Avoid restraining the person unless it is absolutely necessary, this will make the situation worse
- If the person is restless try to distract the person with favourite activities
- As a caregiver look for signs of burnout
- Get help from others and find at least one resource you may get help.
Dr Mazvita Machinga (Ph.D ) is a psychotherapist based in Mutare. For more details and help on counseling and psychotherapy services call 0771 754 519, email [email protected].
